Newsletter

Minta Spears is one of 10 nominated for 2013-14 Big 12 Female Sportsperson of the Year.

As a redshirt freshman last year, the Lady Raider guard is the youngest nominee this year.

Spears received Academic All-Big 12 First Team accolades and was voted team captain as a redshirt freshman.

She speaks to students in the Lubbock School District about leadership and responsibility.

Spears is also active in the community with the South Plains Food Bank, Thank-athon and Angel Tree as well as working with special needs people at the High Point Village.

She recently spent a second summer in Uganda doing missionary and community work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Criteria for the award includes examples of sportsmanship and ethical conduct, citizenship within the campus and community as well as academic achievement.

Other female nominees are:

Whitney Canion, Baylor, Sr, Softball

Hallie Christofferson, Iowa State, Sr, Women's Basketball

Alex Jones, Kansas, Sr, Softball

Chantay Caron, Kansas State, Sr, Women's Basketball

Taylor Spears, Oklahoma, Sr, Gymnastics

Jenna Blumer, Oklahoma State, Sr, Equestrian

Alexi Child, TCU, Jr, Equestrian

Elizabeth Gulick, West Virginia, Sr, Volleyball

The Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year Awards began in 2000-01 to annually recognize student-athletes who displayed an extraordinary degree of sportsmanship and/or community service during the academic year.

The male nominees will be announced Wednesday, June 25 and the two winners will be named on Thursday, June 26.